Self-Inflicted Wounds: Sequester Impacts

February 20, 2013 9:26 am ET

Republicans in Congress can avoid the sequester -- deep, preventable cuts that will lay off hundreds of thousands of Americans if they don't drop their demands to cut the things we need in order to protect the things we don't, like tax breaks for wealthy Americans. Here's how to increase the pressure by illustrating what these self-inflicted wounds mean for all of us.

WHAT THE SEQUESTER MEANS FOR AMERICANS

Isn't throwing a million more Americans out of work the last thing we need?

The sequester cuts would mean:

70,000 children kicked off Head Start and 1.2 million kids seeing their schools lose education funds, which mean fewer teachers, crowded classrooms, and less learning time. What if it's your child's school?

Emergency responders lose their jobs, which means slower response times and weaker disaster preparedness. What if your neighborhood is the next one hit by a weather disaster?

Layoffs of airport traffic controllers and transportation security workers. Do you want longer lines and more hassles at the airport?

Layoffs at the Social Security Administration, which mean delays and hassles for seniors enrolling in Medicare or calling about their Social Security benefits. What if it's your parents?

Up to 2,100 fewer food inspections. Do you want to worry about the safety of the food you put on your family's dinner table?

Fewer FBI agents and law enforcement to protect our families from violent criminals. What if it's your family?

THE CHOICE WE FACE

Wouldn't you rather get rid of special interest tax loopholes for corporations and millionaires?

Instead of preventing sequester cuts, here's what Republicans in Congress are protecting: